The use of standardized “bar-code” labels on all new vehicles would help improve the effectiveness of vehicle emission inspection programs. The label could contain information on the vehicle and its emission control system. This information could be used by automated emission testing equipment to select test standards and identify the types of emission control equipment present on the vehicle being tested. More accurate inspections result. The machine-readable labels could also be used by compatible equipment to provide servicing specifications which could result in more effective and efficient repairs.